Walthierite
Walthierite is an IMA-recognized mineral species in the sulfate class, with the chemical formula Ba₀.₅Al₃(SO₄)₂(OH)₆.
It crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system (space group R-3m). It is a member of the Alunite-Alunite structural group.
Key properties: specific gravity 3.02; White streak; Vitreous luster; optically uniaxial.
IMA symbol Wtr, IMA status: approved, named in 1991.
Rare, in open-space filling of a fault, formed by reaction of hydrothermal fluids with barite.
It is found associated with Alunite, barite, jarosite, pyrite, quartz.
The mineral was named to honor Dr. Thomas Nash Walthier (1923–1990), American economic geologist, St. Joseph Minerals Co., who worked in the Tambo district, Chile.
Index entry. This entry combines official IMA/RRUFF species data with published physical-property data — a full written entry hasn’t been published yet.
Browse more W minerals or help write this entry.